NRM interventions for enhanced mango productivity and quality.

Abstract

Despite a rich legacy and unparalleled lead in global mango production, India lags behind other major mango producing countries in mango productivity and quality. Preponderance of unproductive orchards, widely spaced plantations, poor orchard management and the losses caused by different biotic and abiotic stresses are the major causes of low fruit yield and quality. Nearly 10% of the total produce goes waste indicating weak marketing linkages between the farm gate and consumers. Mango growers continue to bear the brunt of problems like alternate bearing, malformation and spongy tissue. Low returns to the growers, inefficient use of natural resources, higher prices for the domestic consumers and reduced share in global mango exports are some of the repercussions of low productivity and inferior fruit quality. Consequently, despite a lion’s share in total production (≈42%), India lacks truly deserved preeminence in global mango trade. Taking a cue from the astonishing success of mango industry in different countries, where commercial mango cultivation is of relatively recent origins, this article analyzes the ills plaguing Indian mango industry. Recent innovations in soil and water management for sustainable mango production are discussed.